The Age of the Imperial Guptas c7.78

c7.78

Jaina inscriptions of the Gupta period betray a certain peculiarity. In the Kahaum pillar inscription of the reign of Skandagupta, the emperor is mentioned by name and the date given in the Gupta era. It records the erection of a stone pillar with five images of the principal Jaina Tīrthaṅkaras (Ādi-kartṛs). In the majority of ancient and mediaeval Caturmukhas or Pratimā-sarvatobhadrikā only four Jinas are represented. Even on the facets of modern Jaina Caumuhās or Merus four, eight, and twelve are the usual numbers. Odd numbers, specially five is unknown to Jaina Iconography. Bhagwanlal Indraji suggested that they are the images of Ādinātha, Śāntinātha, Neminātha, Pārśvanātha, and Mahāvīra-Varddhamāna.² From the year 135 onwards though the Gupta era is used, votive Buddhist and Jaina inscriptions found in Mathurā do not mention any king, whether Buddhist or Hindu.